New Delhi: The Election Commission of India has officially announced the schedule for the election to the post of Vice President of India, with polling slated to take place on September 9, 2025. The declaration follows the sudden resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 22, triggering the constitutional process to elect his successor.
According to the Election Commission’s notification, the formal process begins on August 7 with the issue of the election notification. The deadline for filing nominations is August 21.
Scrutiny of nomination papers will be conducted on August 22, and the final date for withdrawal of candidature has been set for August 25. If necessary, polling and counting will be held on the same day—September 9—with the results expected to be declared that very evening.
Full Election Schedule:
- Issue of Notification: August 7, 2025 (Thursday)
- Last Date for Filing Nominations: August 21, 2025 (Thursday)
- Scrutiny of Nominations: August 22, 2025 (Friday)
- Last Date for Withdrawal of Candidature: August 25, 2025 (Monday)
- Date of Polling (if needed): September 9, 2025 (Tuesday)
- Counting of Votes: September 9, 2025 (Tuesday)
The schedule has been prepared in line with constitutional guidelines and past precedents, the Commission added in its statement.
Electoral College for Vice Presidential Poll
The Vice President of India is elected by a special Electoral College consisting of all members of both Houses of Parliament—Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Notably, members of state legislative assemblies do not take part in the Vice Presidential election.
The election is conducted by secret ballot under the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. Each elector marks their preferences on the ballot paper, and the counting process is designed to ensure that the winning candidate secures the required quota of votes.
Eligibility Criteria
To contest the Vice Presidential election, a candidate must:
- Be a citizen of India;
- Have completed the age of 35 years; and
- Be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
Additionally, a candidate must not hold any office of profit under the Government of India, any state government, or under any local or subordinate authority.
Candidates are also required to submit a nomination paper backed by at least 20 proposers and 20 seconders, all of whom must be Members of Parliament. A security deposit of ₹15,000 must accompany the nomination, as per norms under the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952.
Vice President’s Role
The Vice President of India holds the second-highest constitutional office in the country and acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. In the absence or resignation of the President, the Vice President may also be called upon to act as the President.
The resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar has come as a political surprise, though no official reason was stated. Dhankhar had been serving as Vice President since August 11, 2022.
His departure marks an unexpected turn in India’s political landscape and has set the stage for a fresh contest for the constitutional post.
Political Context and Expectations
While political parties are yet to announce their nominees formally, sources suggest that backroom discussions are already underway, with consensus-building efforts being made across party lines.
Given the current composition of the Parliament, the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc are likely to field their respective candidates, potentially leading to a tightly contested election.
The coming weeks are expected to witness intense lobbying and political maneuvering as parties seek to secure votes for their preferred candidates.
The Election Commission has assured that all necessary arrangements will be made to ensure the election is held in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
As India prepares to elect its next Vice President, all eyes will be on the coming weeks to see how the political narrative unfolds and who emerges as the consensus choice for one of the nation’s highest constitutional offices.
